Mark M. Murray / The Republican05/02/12 Springfield - Police Traffic bureau investigator Edward Laviolette marks off the area around a motorcycle that was involved in a crash with a pickup truck at the corner of State Street and Colonial Avenue on Wednesday. The operator of the bike, which burst into flames after it collided, was taken to Baystate Medical Center.

SPRINGFIELD – Bystanders pulled a motorcyclist away from his burning bike after he crashed into another vehicle on State Street at about noon on Wednesday.

The motorcyclist, 39-year-old Plainfield Street resident Ernie Santiago, was taken to Baystate Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition.

The crash occurred as Santiago rode east on State Street. A pickup truck, pulling out of Austin Street and crossing the four lanes of travel to get to Colonial Street. did not see the motorcycle and collided with it, Sgt. John M. Delaney said.

The bike clipped the front bumper of the truck sending it and the rider sprawling off the road and into a parking lot. Both crashed into a large shrub at the edge of the lot and Delaney said it is possible that cushioned the blow for Santiago.

The motorcycle caught fire and some passersby dragged Santiago away from the flames to safety, Delaney said.

The driver of the truck was identified as James Bennett of Springfield, Delaney said.
The accident remains under investigation and no citations have been issued.

A portion of State Street was blocked off during the accident investigation. The Springfield Fire Department assisted in the accident.